Peter Walker

 

Tanner Fountain

I was immediately drawn to this landscape due to its unusual nature. It is a very interesting and unusual way to explore a fountain feature using water as mist rather than jets. I like how the mist has been used to create cloud like form that almost appears as if it an object floating over the ground creating an exciting illusion. The rocks laid in a circular pattern overlap the grass and tarmac making the fountain seem like it has just fallen into the landscape from space adding successfully to the mystery. They are also clearly well used in their function as a place to sit or lean against. The uniqueness, creativity yet simplicity in Walker’s design is something I am very impressed by and I get a lot of inspiration from to do the same. ___________________________________________________________________________________

PWP Landscape Architecture (no date) Tanner Fountain, Harvard University. Available at: https://www.pwpla.com/projects/tanner-fountain-harvard-university (Accessed: 24 February 2026).

Jacques Wirtz

 

Alnwick Castle Garden

I selected Alnwick Castle as it is a garden of Wirtz’s that I have visited myself. Whilst it was when I was younger, I remember being impressed by the grandeur of the cascade. Looking at it again I am impressed curvaceous flowing shape that despite the large use of hard materials in its constriction creates a soft appearance when combined with water. Also, the evergreen archways alongside creates a year-round backdrop and structure to the landscape with windows out differing views to visitors as they travel through them. And I like how behind this this is mature trees breaking the well-maintained formality of the fountains. I like how the garden also nods to the symmetry of historic French gardens whilst breaking away from the straight lines instead having gentles curves throughout.

___________________________________________________________________________________Sandomir, R. (2018) ‘Jacques Wirtz, innovative landscape designer, dies at 93’, The New York Times, 2 August. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/02/obituaries/jacques-wirtz-innovative-landscape-designer-dies-at-93.html (Accessed: 24 February 2026).

Martha Schwartz

 

Jacob Javitts Plaza

At a first glance I enjoy how bright green colour is striking and contrasting strongly with the dark paving below clearly showing an element of fun in the plaza.  It is clear a lot of the intention with this design is for it to be viewed from above due to the large scale and length of the benches and due to their only being two colours in the plaza. The bench appears as a line drawn on a blank canvas which could perhaps be representing how the immigrants visiting the immigration office have a chance to start from a fresh slate and draw their own path. However, due to the absence of planting the plaza feel very exposed to wind and rain not offering any place to shelter and overall feels very cold. So, whilst I do think it succeeds somewhat in providing a place for people to site in groups and talk, I don’t think it is designed on a human scale to encourage this.

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fity.club (no date) Martha Schwartz landscape architecture , fity.club. Available at: https://fity.club/lists/suggestions/martha-schwartz-landscape-architecture/ (Accessed: 24 February 2026).

Geoffrey Jellicoe

 

Shute House

It is hard to find a photo that best represents Geoffrey Jellicoe ‘s work because a lot of his design was to force subconscious reactions on people in his spaces. So, whilst I have not explored this garden to be able to experience this, I can see how he has been successful in achieving it. I am impressed how throughout this garden Jellicoe has used water in a variety of ways to instil feelings and emotions in its visitors. I particularly like how he has used small waterfalls each with copper shaped in different ways to create different sounds as you walk through the space. Jellicoe has also used hedging in the garden to create vistas as well as rooms each I feel have a strong atmosphere. Looking around the garden it make obvious Gellicoe’s huge knowledge of garden history that he has drawn upon as well as his use of philosophy.

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The Garden Museum (2026) Archive. Available at: https://www.gardenmuseum.org.uk/visit/archive/ (Accessed: 14 February 2026).

North Place Initial Reactions

Below are my first sketches on top of the base plan for North Place Car Park. I was mainly looking at how people can move through the space and the shapes that creates. 

Claude Comier

 

18 Shades of Gay, Montreal

This art installation by Comier shows how a simple idea can truly transform a whole neighbourhood. Whilst the street below remains the same just seeing the bright colours of the thousands of suspended balls brings me a sense of joy and I can imagine completely changes the atmosphere of what would otherwise look like normal street. Not only this I can see how the installation has attracted many visitors to view them which has inevitable caused the neighbourhood and its businesses to prosper and grow. The minimal intervention to the ground also appears have done well in still allowing the street to perform a wide variety of functions below. I really enjoy how the changing colours throughout the space make me want to explore the entire street. Drawing my eyes along the linear space. However the huge number of plastic balls is concerning as I am unsure if they will be able to be reused after the installation is removed.

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CCxA (no date) 18 Shades of Gay. Available at: https://ccxa.ca/en/projects/18-shades-of-gay/ (Accessed: 11 February 2026).

Laurie Olin

 Apple Park, California

I like this photo of apple park by Laurie Olin as it showcases very well the interaction between the building, people and the landscape. People are using the landscape to travel, exercise and rest. It is not just something to look at out the window of the offices. The reflective surfaces on the building mirrors the planting helping the smooth modern office to appear more settled in the rough landscape. Another feature I believe has been successful is how the landscape has been formed to hide the surrounding urban areas instead the landform and planting give the illusion the building is set in the middle of open countryside. However, considering California can be a very hot place there seems to be a lack of trees to provide shade to cool the paths or availability of seating for resting.

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Foster + Partners (no date) Apple Park. Available at: https://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/apple-park(Accessed: 11 February 2026).